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Entering the World...
John Adams was born in Baintree, Massachusetts on October 30, 1735. -
The College Years...
Although his father wanted him to become a minister, John Adams chose to attend Harvard University and graduated in 1755. After graduating, he went on to teach for about 3 years. -
Justice...
After 3 years of teaching, John Adams chose to begin studying law under John Putnam. -
Going to the Chapel...
In 1764, John Adams marries Abigail Smith. They go on to have 5 children. John Quincy Adams, their first son, would go on to become our nations sixth president. -
The Stamp Act
John Adams began his involvement in politics in 1765 as an opponent of the Stamp Act. John opposed the Stamp Act because he didn't think it was fair for the British to tax the colonists for every piece of printed paper they used. -
The Boston Massacre Trial...
In 1770, Adams defended five British soldiers that were accused of killing five conlonists on Boston Green (this became known as the Boston Massacre). Adams defended the British soldiers even though he didn't agree with the British policies becasue he wanted to make sure the British soldiers got a fair trial. -
Entering Politics...
John Adams was elected to legislative office in the Massachusetts General Court. -
First Continental Congress
Adams served as a Massachusetts representative for the First Continental Congress. -
Second Continental Congress
Adams also served as a Massachusetts representative for the Second Continental Congress from 1775-1778. During the Second Continental Congress, he was choseen to be part of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. -
Ambassador Adams...
John Adams served as Ambassador to the Netherlands from 1782-1788 and also to Britain from 1785-1788. -
The First Vice President
John Adams served as the first Vice President under George Washington until 1796. -
Becoming Mr. President...
John Adams was finally elected President after George Washington stepped down and took office in 1797. -
In Charge of a Nation...
John Adams becomes our nation's second President but he was the first lawyer-president. Thomas Jefferson served as his Vice President. -
Going Home...
After his presidency was over, John Adams went back to Massachusetts with his family. -
Reestablishing an Important Friendship...
At first Adams didn't speak to Jeffereson because he was depressed about leaving office. Eventually in 1812, they rebuilt their friendship by writing letters to one another which lasted the rest of their lives. -
A Final Farewell...
John Adams died at the age of 90 in Quincy, Massachusetts.
